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Astonishing autumnal and winter events at Longleat, including first look at Festival of Light lanterns

19th August 2019

Categories: Latest News

We may be enjoying a traditional British summertime, but Longleat, nestled on the rural border of Somerset and Wiltshire is preparing for a spectacular autumn and winter season at their Astonishing Kingdom.

One of Europe's biggest annual hot air balloon festivals is back: bigger, bolder and balloon-ier than ever

For the fourth year running, Longleat’s very own hot air balloon festival, Sky Safari, will be returning from 13th to 15th September. It is promising to be an incredible sight, with more special-shaped balloons, such as Adelaide the koala and Simbaloo the lion, than ever before.

During the September weekend, the skies above the Estate will come to life, full of all the vibrant colours of the rainbow with over 150 hot air balloons take taking to the air in an astounding procession of finesse. Followed in the evenings by a stunning night glow set to music – a sight not to be missed!

Tickets:
All is included with your Day Ticket.
Book online and save up to 15%.

Great British Autumn – A celebration of the season

From 26th October to 3rd November, the historic Longleat Estate will not only be blooming with beautiful, crisp autumnal colours but will be celebrating the season with a wonderfully whimsical half term event: the Great British Autumn.

You’ll have the opportunity to join in with all sorts of harvest-season activities and for younger ones, there’s pumpkin carving and ride-on tractors on offer. Come together during the day and experience one of the marvellous Owl Displays. Feel the breeze of a African spotted owl gliding above your heads, see the adorably small burrowing owl and be astonished by the iconic European eagle owl.

Tickets:
All is included with your Day Ticket.
Book online and save up to 15%.

Fantastic Fireworks – Dazzling night-sky displays

End your day with a spectacular firework display on 25th, 26th October, 1st or 2nd November. The night sky above the park will be aglow with dazzling colours as Fantastic Fireworks returns to Longleat. A sensational soundtrack will accompany the breathtaking fireworks – the perfect end to your day at Longleat.

Tickets:
All is included with your Day Ticket.
Book online and save up to 15%.

The Festival of Light – First lanterns revealed

The legendary Festival of Light is returning for its sixth year showcasing ‘Myths and Legends’. It draws inspiration from epic stories from around the world; from the gods and magical beings of ancient Greece, to heroic tales of British folklore. Expect to see Pegasus, the Genie in the lamp, the Kraken and the Chimera, not to mention Zeus, Hercules, Medusa, Aphrodite and so many more.

Not only will the Estate be gleaming with lanterns, the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show and more but Longleat House itself will come to life with a roaring 1920s Christmas party theme. This year is the 70th anniversary of the House being opened to the public by the 6th Marquess of Bath. He planned to recreate the heyday of his youth, so in this spirit, the House will be decorated to match and will feature a world premiere of archive film footage, taken by the 6th Marquess himself.

Within the House, there will also be an exhibition linking to the Festival of Light’s ‘Myths and Legends’ theme; featuring both King Arthur and the story of Merlin magicking immense stones from Ireland to create Wiltshire’s iconic Stonehenge.

Tickets:
Included with your Day Ticket. Book online and save up to 15%.
Group Day Ticket and pre-booked groups of 12+ can access exclusive discounts and perks such as generous reductions to entry price, free driver meal vouchers and tickets, and complimentary organiser tickets.

Not only will the Estate be gleaming with lanterns, but Longleat House itself will come to life with a roaring twenties Christmas party theme. 2019 is the 70th anniversary of the House being opened to the public, by the 6th Marquess of Bath. He planned to recreate the heyday of his youth, so in this spirit the House will be decorated to match and will feature a world premiere of archive film footage, taken by the 6th Marquess himself. Within the House, there will also be an exhibition linking to the Festival of Light’s ‘Myths and Legends’ them; featuring both King Arthur and the story of Merlin magicking immense stones from Ireland to create Wiltshire’s iconic Stonehenge.

All of these events are included with your Day Ticket. Book online and save up to 15%